"Cousins" (commissioned portrait), charcoal, 15"x22"

"Ethan", pastel, 15"x12"

"November Oak", oils, 22"x16"

I went back to the oak tree this morning, because the weather was exactly like yesterday. I figured it would be much better than trying to work on it in my studio, because the photographs just didn't show what I saw and felt out there. I include this photo of my painting on the easel, because the colors are much truer than the one below, which I took indoors.

I really didn't do all that much to it. Just adjusted colors here and there, added more density to the far background trees, and worked on the foreground. Don't know if it's improved or not.

"Oak tree, November morning", oil on canvas, 22"x16", unfinished

Here's the spot I decided to paint today. It's right in my neighborhood - a short path through a bit of woods. I've walked through it many times, and have been thinking of painting there for while. It was a perfect fall morning, and I didn't have to be at work until 3 pm, so I grabbed my chance.

Here's the painting on the easel, in progress. It was interesting - I went through all the stages of painting today - excitement, anxiety, sublime happiness, struggle, confusion, despair, acceptance of a sucky painting, and suddenly, it came together and wasn't so bad. Altogether a very satisfying morning!

Another shot of the painting on the easel, showing more of the panorama I was looking at. Sun and shadows are creeping across my canvas.

Here's the painting at the end of the morning. I will go back into it and mess with it some in the studio, after it ages a bit.

"Warrenton Alley", oils, 12"x12"

I went back into this one, to put light back into the shadow. I think I also got a better color photo, although maybe a little dark.

"Warrenton Pole Shadows," oils, 24"x24"

Final fixes? I saw that when I repainted the shadow in the alley, I deadened the light. So I attempted to bring the light back. I also adjusted the color in the light areas of the alley, and the door and window shadows on the red building in the back. Finished?

"Warrenton Pole Shadows," oils, 24"x24"

I didn't go out painting today, although it was beautiful out. I decided to do the fixes on this painting instead. I cleaned it up and brightened some colors. Hope to go back soon and start another.